Heated gloves need a little more care than ordinary winter gloves. Sweat, road salt, mud and everyday dirt can build up over time, but using the wrong cleaning method can damage the battery connectors, outer materials or heating elements.
The safest approach is simple: remove the batteries, spot-clean whenever possible and let the gloves air-dry completely. Some synthetic gloves can be gently hand-washed, but only when the care instructions for that specific model allow it. Leather heated gloves should never be soaked.
Can you wash heated gloves?
Yes, but most heated gloves should not go in a washing machine. Remove the batteries first, check the care label and use the least aggressive cleaning method that gets the job done.
Before You Start
Turn the gloves off and disconnect both batteries before using any water or cleaning product. Remove the batteries from their pockets, tuck the connector cables inside and close the pocket zippers.
Take a moment to inspect the gloves for:
- Exposed or damaged wires
- Loose battery connectors
- Open seams or torn fabric
- Cracked leather or damaged palm material
If you find exposed wiring or significant damage, do not wash or continue using the gloves. Contact Arcfomor support for help first.
Always check the sewn-in care label as well. Materials and construction vary between lightweight liners, ski gloves, work gloves and motorcycle gloves, so the instructions for your model take priority over general cleaning advice.
Can Heated Gloves Go in the Washing Machine?
Unless the care label specifically says otherwise, do not put heated gloves in a washing machine. The repeated twisting and agitation can place unnecessary stress on the wiring, connectors, seams and waterproof layers.
Do not put heated gloves in a tumble dryer either. High heat can damage technical fabrics, adhesives and leather, even when the heating system itself is turned off.
Choose the Right Cleaning Method
Not every pair of heated gloves should be cleaned the same way. Use the glove material and care label to choose the appropriate method.
| Glove type | Best cleaning method | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
|
Lightweight synthetic gloves and liners Spider Silk, Dragonfly and Feather |
Spot-clean first. Hand-wash only if the model's care label permits it. | Machine washing, scrubbing, twisting and wringing. |
|
Softshell and insulated gloves Ember, WinterGlow and Toboggan |
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Follow the care label before hand-washing. | Fabric softener, bleach and direct heat. |
|
Leather or leather-panel gloves Vellum and Polar Baron |
Spot-clean with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. | Do not soak, machine-wash or tumble-dry. |
|
Motorcycle gloves Basalt and Tempest |
Spot-clean the shell, palm and protective panels. Clean carefully around zippers and battery pockets. | Soaking protective components or forcing water into openings. |
How to Clean Heated Gloves
1. Start With Spot Cleaning
For most routine cleaning, you do not need to submerge the gloves.
- Mix cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
- Dampen a soft microfiber cloth. The cloth should be moist, not dripping.
- Gently wipe the palms, fingertips, cuffs and other dirty areas.
- Use a second cloth dampened with clean water to remove any detergent residue.
- Blot the gloves with a clean towel.
Avoid aggressively scrubbing touchscreen fingertips, coated palms, logos and leather panels. Repeated friction can wear down these areas faster than normal use.
2. Remove Mud and Road Salt Carefully
If the gloves are muddy, let the mud dry first. Use a soft brush or dry cloth to remove loose dirt, then spot-clean what remains. This limits the amount of water needed and prevents dirt from being rubbed deeper into the fabric.
Road salt should be removed as soon as practical. Wipe the affected area with a clean cloth dampened with fresh water, then blot it dry. Salt left on leather or fabric can leave marks and affect the finish over time.
3. Hand-Wash Only When the Care Label Allows It
Some synthetic heated gloves may be suitable for gentle hand washing. Do not use this method unless the instructions for your model permit it.
- Fill a clean basin with cool water.
- Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent.
- Gently move the gloves through the water without scrubbing or twisting them.
- Keep the battery connectors and pocket openings out of the water whenever possible.
- Rinse gently with cool water until the detergent is removed.
- Place the gloves between clean towels and press lightly to absorb excess water.
Do not wring the gloves. Twisting wet gloves can strain the internal wiring and distort the outer materials.
Leather care: Do not place leather or leather-panel heated gloves in a basin. Clean the leather with a damp cloth and mild soap, following the care instructions for that model.
How to Dry Heated Gloves
Lay the gloves flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated indoor area. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, heating vents, fireplaces and hair dryers.
Arrange the fingers in their natural position and turn the gloves over occasionally so both sides can dry. Open the cuffs to improve airflow, but do not pull or stretch the lining.
Depending on the insulation, room temperature and amount of moisture, drying may take 24 to 48 hours or longer. The outside can feel dry while moisture remains inside the lining or battery pocket, so do not reconnect the batteries too soon.
For leather gloves, gently reshape the fingers and palm while the leather is still slightly damp. If you use a leather conditioner, confirm that it is suitable for the glove material and keep it away from fabric panels, connectors and battery pockets.
What Cleaning Products Should You Use?
A mild, pH-neutral liquid detergent is the safest option for most synthetic materials. Use only a small amount; more detergent does not produce a better result and can be difficult to rinse from insulated gloves.
Avoid the following products unless the glove manufacturer specifically approves them:
- Bleach
- Fabric softener
- Dry-cleaning chemicals
- Household degreasers
- Solvent-based stain removers
- Strongly scented sprays
Fabric softener can leave residue on technical fabrics and moisture-wicking linings. Strong cleaners may also affect coatings, adhesives and leather finishes.
Cleaning the Inside of Heated Gloves
The lining usually needs less water than the outside. To freshen it, use a cloth lightly dampened with diluted mild detergent and wipe the areas you can reach without pulling the lining out of place.
Follow with a clean damp cloth, then leave the cuffs open while the gloves air-dry. Do not turn the lining inside out unless the product instructions specifically say that it is removable.
If odor returns quickly, allow the gloves to dry fully after each use rather than waiting until the end of the season. Storing gloves while they are still damp is a common cause of persistent odor.
Before Reconnecting the Batteries
Once the gloves have dried completely, inspect them before reinstalling the batteries.
- Confirm that the battery pockets and connectors are dry.
- Check for loose seams or damage that may have appeared during cleaning.
- Make sure the connector cables are not twisted or pinched.
- Reconnect the correct batteries securely.
- Test the gloves at the lowest heat setting first.
Both gloves should turn on normally and heat consistently. If one glove does not power on, disconnect the batteries and review our heated glove troubleshooting guide.
Heated Glove Care Between Uses
Regular care reduces the need for frequent washing. A few simple habits make a noticeable difference:
- Brush off dirt after outdoor use instead of letting it build up.
- Remove the batteries before drying wet gloves.
- Let damp gloves air out before placing them in a bag or drawer.
- Keep battery connectors clean and tucked inside their pockets.
- Do not store gloves tightly folded under heavy gear.
- Inspect high-wear areas such as palms, fingertips and seams periodically.
Before long-term storage, clean and dry the gloves, then store the batteries separately. Follow the recommended 40–60% charge range for lithium battery storage rather than leaving them fully charged or empty for several months.
For a complete off-season checklist, see our heated glove storage guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash heated gloves?
Yes, but the correct method depends on the materials and care label. Spot cleaning is the safest option for most routine dirt. Hand-wash only when the instructions for that model allow it.
Can heated gloves go in a washing machine?
Do not machine-wash heated gloves unless the care label explicitly says it is safe. Machine agitation and spin cycles can stress internal components and damage the glove materials.
Can you soak heated gloves?
Do not soak leather or leather-panel heated gloves. Some synthetic models may allow gentle hand washing, but check the product instructions first.
Do I need to remove the batteries before cleaning?
Yes. Turn the gloves off, disconnect the batteries and remove them from both battery pockets before cleaning.
Can I use fabric softener?
No. Fabric softener can leave residue on breathable fabrics, linings and water-repellent finishes.
How long do heated gloves take to dry?
Many gloves need at least 24 to 48 hours, and heavily insulated styles may take longer. Wait until the lining, battery pockets and connectors are completely dry.
Can I use a hair dryer to speed up drying?
No. Hair dryers, radiators and tumble dryers produce concentrated heat that can damage leather, technical fabrics and adhesives. Let the gloves dry naturally.
How often should heated gloves be cleaned?
Spot-clean them when visible dirt, mud or road salt appears. A more thorough cleaning may be useful before seasonal storage, provided the care instructions allow it. There is no need to wash them after every use.
Keep Your Gloves Ready for the Next Cold Day
For most heated gloves, careful spot cleaning is all that is needed. Remove the batteries, use mild detergent, avoid unnecessary soaking and give the gloves enough time to dry before turning them back on.
If you are unsure how to clean a specific Arcfomor model, check its care label or contact us at help@arcfomor.com. You can also browse the Arcfomor heated gloves collection for product-specific materials and care information.
